In anticipation of the 81st anniversary of the Great Victory, celebrations symbolizing the unity of generations and the inviolability of the ideals of selfless service to the Motherland were held on the Derzhavin campus in the village of Georgievsky.
The parade, organized by the Military Training Center and its students, was dedicated to the most significant national holiday for the citizens of our country – Victory Day of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War. The Derzhavin students who formed the parade units demonstrated more than just bearing and discipline. The parade testifies that today's young people are worthy descendants of the heroes of 1945, who stopped fascism and gave hope for the future to countries around the world. Flag of Tambov State University named after G.R. Derzhavin took its rightful place in the parade alongside the national flag of the Russian Federation and the flag of the Russian ground forces.
Over 380 university students participated in the ceremony, forming 17 parade units comprising three companies, as well as parade units of cadets from the L.S. Demin Multidisciplinary Cadet Corps and young army members from the M.S. Solntsev College of Ground Transport Engineering and Technology. Musical accompaniment for the parade was provided by the Tambov Garrison Combined Orchestra, conducted by Guard Senior Lieutenant Maxim Demin and Senior Lieutenant Dmitry Kolesnikov.
"Victory Day is a universal holiday," noted Derzhavin University Rector Pavel Moiseev. "We especially remember this during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Even decades later, the Great Victory continues to unite peoples and generations, serving as a guide for the development of society and the state." The feat of the Soviet people, the unbending will, courage, and heroism of the warrior-liberator are forever imprinted in the historical memory of the peoples of Russia. The connection between the heroic past and the present is clearly felt today. In 2026, the liberators of Donbas and Novorossiya stand shoulder to shoulder with their ancestors, who defended the right of our people to live on their own land, speak their own language, be independent, and choose their own future.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of the fallen heroes.
Under the command of Colonel Valery Degtyarev, PhD in Military Sciences, the parade units marched ceremoniously to the accompaniment of the orchestra in front of the podium and the spectators. The parade unit of the combined orchestra closed the procession: the final compositions performed for the participants were the song "We are the Army of the Country, We are the Army of the People" and the march "Farewell of Slavyanka."
Meetings between student representatives and veterans of the special military operation were held on the university campus. The connection between the generations of 1940 and 2020, the military traditions and victories of Russian arms, the willingness to defend one's country at all times and in all places, and the geopolitical challenges of today were among the topics addressed during the direct and immediate interactions between the SMO participants and the audience.
One of the speakers was Guards Lance Corporal, combat veteran, and recipient of the Order of Courage, Ilya Lebedev. Ilya exudes infectious energy and confidence and is active in civilian life. He maintains contact with the regional branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation and regularly participates in cultural and sporting events with his family. Despite already having a higher education, Ilya continues to improve his educational and professional skills. He is currently pursuing a teaching degree, specializing in history and social studies.
Derzhavin's second guest, Guards Senior Sergeant and combat veteran Viktor Nazarov, also holds two higher education degrees. His awards include the Suvorov Medal. Viktor served in the special forces as a conscript and as a contract soldier in a motorized rifle brigade. Currently, Viktor works closely with the Tambov Region branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" foundation, actively participates in sporting events, and is a member of the Tambov Region veterans' national sledge hockey team.
Through their personal service to Russia and stories of their comrades, the speakers conveyed to the students the principles of fortitude and courage, dedication to a trusted cause, and loyalty to the oath and the nation. During the parade and direct interaction with the special operation participants, the Derzhavin students and their peers demonstrated the finest qualities worthy of true heirs to the Great Victory of 1945.
